Day Fourteen

Here I am back online, in Atlanta at Meg’s. From Vicksburg to Eufaula, Alabama was a pretty drive. Mississippi was full of blooming trees. Every time I saw a red bud, though, it was difficult to stop so I still don’t have a photo. Hopefully I will get a good one here in Atlanta. We are past the 3000 mile mark – whew.

Alabama was a surprise. I don’t know what I expected, but it is rolling, green and beautiful. It could be Ohio or Ontario. The state park where Janet and John have a cottage was also a wildlife refuge, with many birds that winter over there, and alligators. The weather was perfect, warm and sunny. We started each morning with aquafit, a good stretch after days in the car. Did laundry, and just hung out. It was a lovely retreat with friends that are more like family. It is so good to have so many stops along the way.

Eufaula is interesting. The Union army was just outside the city when the Civil War ended, so they were spared destruction. Many antebellum mansions are still intact, as is the downtown. They still feel fortunate, and celebrate their heritage and history. During that time, it was a major trade center for cotton, being on a river and then a rail line. The population in the 1850’s – 70’s was somewhere around 40,000. Today, it is about 15,000. The whole town is very pretty, with huge lovely houses and tree lined streets. It still seems fairly prosperous and is a summer destination for locals as well as a winter destination for snowbirds.

Atlanta is a large lovely city. Also hilly and green, and blossoming. The weather is cooler today, and threatened rain this morning, but still no inclement weather. Cabbagetown, the neighborhood where Meg lives is an old part of town with narrow streets and small houses that are being bought and renovated. I think that this is the place where I will find someone to dress up Bella – some young artist. There is a street festival tomorrow that looks like fun. Lost another hour today – finally in Eastern time, only one more time zone to go. Still congested from pollen, but not as much as the past few states. I guess as I follow spring up the coast, though, it will still be an issue.